Christmas is just two weeks away. As many who prepare for Christmas will know, those two weeks fly by. At a recent royal engagement, Prince William revealed some small details about the holiday.
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For many in the country, Christmas is an occasion to gather with family and enjoy food and games. The Royal Family is no different, however, the number of guests invited for this year's celebration seems much larger than usual.
Prince William has allegedly said that he will be spending the day with 45 members of his family, which could include his step-brother. Here’s what we know.
Prince William reveals he isn’t ready for Christmas
As reported by The Independent, Prince William attended a seasonal event for families of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment on Tuesday, December 10. During his visit, the Prince of Wales discussed Christmas plans.
While handing out bags of gifts, the father-of-three revealed that he wasn’t ready for the big day. As per The Independent, he told one family:
Am I ready for Christmas? No, no way am I ready.
He explained that he was looking forward to spending Christmas with his family.
Leah St Clair-Lewis, from the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, was also present and exchanged a few words with the Prince. According to her, she will be spending the day with 45 family members. She said:
He said there will 45 of them under one roof for Christmas.
He didn’t say whether that was just for one day or over the Christmas period. They must need a very long table.
The Royal Family tend to spend the Christmas period in Sandringham, Norfolk, but who are the possible 45 royals spending the Christmas holiday together?
Who is likely on the Christmas invitation list?
Hello! has compiled a list of who has likely been invited to Sandringham for Christmas. Naturally, seven of the alleged 45 members have been confirmed.
Prince William and Princess Kate, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will be present. Moreover, King Charles and Queen Camilla are the hosts, so naturally, they are included in the list.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their two children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex will likely be present, as they are each year. Prince Edward and Sophie’s daughter, Lady Louise will presumably travel down from Scotland as she is currently studying at St Andrew’s University.
Another obvious guest is Princess Anne, who was once again crowned the hardest-working royal, and her husband, Sir Tim Laurence. The King’s other brother, Prince Andrew could be in attendance as well as Sarah Ferguson, who attended last year.
It has also been said that Queen Camilla’s children and her grandchildren have been invited to Sandringham for the holidays. Her son Tom Parker Bowled revealed to The Telegraph that the Queen wants to spend this Christmas with him as it's been a while since they celebrated together.
Other likely guests include, as per Hello!:
- Peter Phillips and his daughters, Savannah and Isla
- Mike and Zara Tindall, and their daughters Mia and Lena. Their son Lucas may not be present for the church service
- Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their daughter Sienna and Beatrice’s stepson, Wolfie
- Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto and their children, Arthur and Samuel
- David Armstrong-Jones and his children, Lady Margarita and Charles.
Finally, Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Booksbank are also likely on the guest list, but recent reports have it that they have also been invited to a special celebration overseas.
Princess Eugenie allegedly received a Christmas invasion from Prince Harry
According to GB News, Princess Eugenie received an invitation to spend Christmas in the US with her cousin Prince Harry and his family. The mum-of-two is reportedly finding ways to balance both invitations. A source told GB News:
Harry and Meghan have invited Eugenie and Jack to join them in California during the holidays. It’s a very difficult position for Eugenie because she has also been invited to Sandringham.
The source adds that despite the busy calendar, Eugenie may find some time ‘around New Years’ time for everyone to come together’.
Read more:
Why Prince William and Kate Middleton may skip Christmas at Sandringham
Prince Harry and Meghan: Lady Diana's family have invited the Sussexes for Christmas, source claims
King Charles: Royal expert reveals reason why Sarah Ferguson was invited to key Christmas tradition
Sources used:
The Independent: ‘William reveals large-scale royal Christmas plans during visit to regiment’
Hello!: ‘Prince William reveals Christmas plans with 45 family members - guests revealed’
GB News: ‘Princess Eugenie 'receives invite from Prince Harry and Meghan' as royal faces dilemma’
